• Angel Olsen – My Woman

    September 5, 2016 - By 

    I’ve never been able keep a diary. Having to articulate and make sense of the thoughts that muddle my mind used to be a terrifying and daunting ordeal. The first song I heard by Angel Olsen was ‘The Waiting’, from her first full length studio album, Half Way Home. In this song, she sings about fruitlessly and foolishly waiting for someone to reciprocate a feeling of fulfilment that we are capable of giving to ourselves. It just takes a little time to reach that realisation.That shift from interdependence to independence allows you to appreciate the inevitable contentions in life as a twenty-something with an unfettered honesty…

  • Watch: Rusangano Family – Soul Food

    September 5, 2016 - By 

    Having released their triumphant debut LP Let the Dead Bury the Dead in April and having taken festivals both at home and abroad by storm all Summer, Limerick’s Rusangano Family returned today with the aptly charismatic video for album track ‘Soul Food’ directed by Dave Tynan. The film depicts the trio and troupes of friends having more fun than you somewhere in The Burren, the vibrant colours they wear and the energised movements in contrast with the stark landscape symbolising this group’s endless capacity to bring soul and vigour to the most dramatic and grey situations and places. Oh, and there’s a “Make Ireland Grand…

  • Playlist: 20 Irish Acts to Catch at Electric Picnic 2016

    August 29, 2016 - By 

    For all its kaleidoscopic, genre-spanning variety, there’s no denying choosing which acts to catch (and those artist to regrettably miss) at Electric Picnic can be a bit of a headache. Sure, Clashfinder is a big help (seriously, we’d be lost without it) but let us help you out if you’re EP-bound this weekend: from Girls Names, our current cover stars SlowPlaceLikeHome (above) and Saint Sister to Hilary Woods, Rusangano Family and The Altered Hours, here’s the 20 Irish acts to catch at Electric Picnic 2016.

  • Warpaint w/ Hilary Woods @ National Concert Hall, Dublin

    August 25, 2016 - By 

    There are dozens of details, both obvious and seemingly insignificant, that help to define a gig experience. The size and attitude of the audience, the choice of setlist and, of course, the individual performances of band members can elevate a run of the mill tour stop to something truly memorable. The importance of venue, though, can’t be understated. There’s a giddy thrill to be gained from catching a band in a sweaty bar, warm in the knowledge they’ll soon be arena headliners. Alternatively, poor sound or unhelpful staff can drain away any enthusiasm you might have had on the night,…

  • Lisa Hannigan – At Swim

    August 23, 2016 - By 

    Prior to the release of Lisa Hannigan‘s third solo album, At Swim, a wave of commentary washed away any preconceived perceptions people may have towards her musical style as she unveiled glimpses into a fuller, darker deftness to her repertoire. At Swim comes after a five year interim from her last record, Passenger. The eleven songs, lasting a concise thirty-nine minutes, are more pared but by no means feel compromised or lacking in either content, tone and instrumental arrangements to her previous albums. The discernment gone into making this record adds to the substance and timelessness of the songs born from sublime…

  • Watch: MO-TWO – Bastard Loop

    August 16, 2016 - By 

    Surreal and ever intriguing hip-hop group Mo-Two comprised of Alan Fitzmaurice and Paul Hargreaves have just unveiled a new video for their track ‘Bastard Loop’. Taken from their forthcoming album Judgement Day, the track sounds like it has as many musical loyalties to the likes Primus and Mr.Bungle as it does to its various hip-hop influences while lyrically the allusions are as daft as you like – when have you ever heard someone rhythmically spit “Pack of Quavers”?. Check out the video below:

  • Biophilia Live @ Light House Cinema, Dublin

    August 15, 2016 - By 

    For one night only, Dublin’s Light House Cinema will screen Peter Strickland and Nick Fenton’s Björk: Biophilia Live on Saturday, August 20. A 97-minute, multidimensional concert doc filmed at London’s Alexandra Palace in September 2013, it coincided with the Icelandic icon’s critically-acclaimed eighth studio album. Justly described as “an infinitely creative journey that presents a culmination of work that represents one of the most original musical endeavours of a generation”, it’s a spirited snapshot of an icon that is most definitely best experienced on the big screen. Tickets are available to buy here, priced €10.00.